Patents by Inventor William D. Splain
William D. Splain has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 7959166Abstract: A method of assembling shopping carts includes providing a basket defining including rear upright frame members. Each rear upright frame member defines includes a lower connecting portion. The method further includes providing a first base and providing a second base. The first base includes a pair of first base supports each configured to be removably secured to one of the lower connecting portions. The second base includes a pair of second base supports each configured to be removably secured to one of lower connecting portions, and the second base is shaped differently than the first base. The method includes selecting one of the first base and the second base having a desired base size and shape, and removably securing the basket to the selected one of the first base and the second base including coupling each lower connecting portion with one of the first base supports and second base supports.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2010Date of Patent: June 14, 2011Assignee: Target Brands, Inc.Inventors: William D. Splain, Robert D. Peota, Alexandre Hennen, Allan Cameron, Mark T. Ryan, David L. Pruitt, Jr.
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Publication number: 20100327545Abstract: A method of assembling shopping carts includes providing a basket defining including rear upright frame members. Each rear upright frame member defines includes a lower connecting portion. The method further includes providing a first base and providing a second base. The first base includes a pair of first base supports each configured to be removably secured to one of the lower connecting portions. The second base includes a pair of second base supports each configured to be removably secured to one of lower connecting portions, and the second base is shaped differently than the first base. The method includes selecting one of the first base and the second base having a desired base size and shape, and removably securing the basket to the selected one of the first base and the second base including coupling each lower connecting portion with one of the first base supports and second base supports.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 8, 2010Publication date: December 30, 2010Applicant: TARGET BRANDS, INC.Inventors: William D. SPLAIN, Robert D. PEOTA, Alexandre HENNEN, Allan CAMERON, Mark T. RYAN, David L. PRUITT, JR.
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Patent number: 7793948Abstract: A method of assembling shopping carts includes providing a basket defining including rear upright frame members. Each rear upright frame member defines includes a lower connecting portion. The method further includes providing a first base and providing a second base. The first base includes a pair of first base supports each configured to be removably secured to one of the lower connecting portions. The second base includes a pair of second base supports each configured to be removably secured to one of lower connecting portions, and the second base is shaped differently than the first base. The method includes selecting one of the first base and the second base having a desired base size and shape, and removably securing the basket to the selected one of the first base and the second base including coupling each lower connecting portion with one of the first base supports and second base supports.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2009Date of Patent: September 14, 2010Assignee: Target Brands, Inc.Inventors: William D. Splain, Robert D. Peota, Alexandre Hennen, Allan Cameron, Mark T. Ryan, David L. Pruitt, Jr.
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Patent number: 7780036Abstract: A handbasket includes a container and a handle. The container includes an upper rim, a pair of opposed side panels, and a pair of opposed end panels, with each side panel including a generally concave exterior surface. The handle extends between, and is pivotally mounted relative to, the respective opposed end panels of the container. The handle is movable between a first generally vertically upright position relative to the container and a second position. In the second position, a first portion of the handle rests against the upper rim of the container and a second portion of the handle is spaced from the upper rim adjacent the generally concave exterior surface of one of the respective side panels to define a grasping zone for grasping the handle for movement between the first position and the second position of the handle relative to the container.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2005Date of Patent: August 24, 2010Assignee: Target Brands, Inc.Inventors: William D. Splain, Robert D. Peota, Alexandre Hennen, Allan Cameron
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Publication number: 20100032919Abstract: A method of assembling shopping carts includes providing a basket defining including rear upright frame members. Each rear upright frame member defines includes a lower connecting portion. The method further includes providing a first base and providing a second base. The first base includes a pair of first base supports each configured to be removably secured to one of the lower connecting portions. The second base includes a pair of second base supports each configured to be removably secured to one of lower connecting portions, and the second base is shaped differently than the first base. The method includes selecting one of the first base and the second base having a desired base size and shape, and removably securing the basket to the selected one of the first base and the second base including coupling each lower connecting portion with one of the first base supports and second base supports.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2009Publication date: February 11, 2010Applicant: TARGET BRANDS, INC.Inventors: William D. SPLAIN, Robert D. PEOTA, Alexandre HENNEN, Allan CAMERON, Mark T. RYAN, David L. PRUITT, JR.
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Patent number: 7600763Abstract: A shopping cart includes a base, a pair of masts, and a basket. The base extends generally horizontally between a front portion and a rear portion of the cart and including a plurality of wheels. The pair of masts extends generally vertically upward from the base in a generally singular plane extending laterally across the rear portion of the cart. Each mast includes a rear portion facing the rear portion of the cart and defining a generally straight surface, and a front portion facing in a direction generally opposite the rear portion of the respective mast and defining a generally concave curved portion. The basket includes a front portion and a rear portion with the rear portion of the basket connected to the base via the pair of masts to support the front portion of the basket in a vertically spaced relationship over the base adjacent the front portion of the cart.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2008Date of Patent: October 13, 2009Assignee: Target Brands, Inc.Inventors: William D. Splain, Robert D. Peota, Alexandre Hennen, Allan Cameron, Mark T. Ryan, David L. Pruitt, Jr.
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Patent number: 7578440Abstract: A check-out counter system includes a scanner, a bagging station, and a deck area. The bagging station is positioned adjacent the scanner and includes a first and a second support shelf. The first support shelf is positioned and configured to support a plurality of first bags. The second support shelf is positioned below the first support shelf and configured to support a plurality of second bags. The deck area is configured to support at least one of the plurality of first bags and the plurality of second bags after the at least one of the plurality of first bags and the plurality of second bags has been loaded with merchandise. The deck area is adjacent the bagging station and defines a top deck area surface that is generally coplanar with a top surface of the first support shelf. Other check-out counter systems and associated methods provide additional advantages.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2007Date of Patent: August 25, 2009Assignee: Target Brands, Inc.Inventors: Curtis J. Ulrich, Robert W. Ash, Blake M. Johnson, William D. Splain, Mitchell W. Knoll
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Patent number: 7494135Abstract: A shopping vehicle includes a wheeled chassis supporting a main cart and a utility portion. The main cart includes a front portion and a rear portion with the utility portion extending rearward from the rear portion of the main cart. The utility portion includes a generally horizontal platform and a generally vertical support structure. The support structure extends generally upward and generally perpendicular relative to the generally horizontal platform. The platform and the support structure of the utility portion, in combination with the rear portion of the main cart define a first cargo zone behind the main cart.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2006Date of Patent: February 24, 2009Assignee: Target Brands, Inc.Inventors: Robert W. Ash, Mitchell W. Knoll, William D. Splain, Larry S. Hubbard
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Publication number: 20090014971Abstract: A shopping cart includes a base, a pair of masts, and a basket. The base extends generally horizontally between a front portion and a rear portion of the cart and including a plurality of wheels. The pair of masts extends generally vertically upward from the base in a generally singular plane extending laterally across the rear portion of the cart. Each mast includes a rear portion facing the rear portion of the cart and defining a generally straight surface, and a front portion facing in a direction generally opposite the rear portion of the respective mast and defining a generally concave curved portion. The basket includes a front portion and a rear portion with the rear portion of the basket connected to the base via the pair of masts to support the front portion of the basket in a vertically spaced relationship over the base adjacent the front portion of the cart.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 18, 2008Publication date: January 15, 2009Applicant: TARGET BRANDS, INC.Inventors: William D. Splain, Robert D. Peota, Alexandre Hennen, Allan Cameron, Mark T. Ryan, David L. Pruitt, JR.
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Patent number: 7416194Abstract: A shopping cart includes a base, a pair of masts, and a basket. The base extends generally horizontally between a front portion and a rear portion of the cart and including a plurality of wheels. The pair of masts extends generally vertically upward from the base in a generally singular plane extending laterally across the rear portion of the cart. Each mast includes a rear portion facing the rear portion of the cart and defining a generally straight surface, and a front portion facing in a direction generally opposite the rear portion of the respective mast and defining a generally concave curved portion. The basket includes a front portion and a rear portion with the rear portion of the basket connected to the base via the pair of masts to support the front portion of the basket in a vertically spaced relationship over the base adjacent the front portion of the cart.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2005Date of Patent: August 26, 2008Assignee: Target Brands, Inc.Inventors: William D. Splain, Robert D. Peota, Alexandre Hennen, Allan Cameron, Mark T. Ryan, David L. Pruitt, Jr.
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Patent number: 7410178Abstract: A handle for a shopping cart includes a frame defining a unitary member in a substantially continuous loop. At least one connection portion extends from the frame for securing the frame to a basket of a shopping cart and is configured to position the loop of the frame to be generally parallel to and spaced from an upper portion of a basket of the shopping cart.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2005Date of Patent: August 12, 2008Assignee: Target Brands, Inc.Inventors: William D. Splain, Robert D. Peota, Alexandre Hennen, Allan Cameron, Mark T. Ryan, David L. Pruitt, Jr., Ann Sullivan
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Patent number: 7407169Abstract: A seat assembly for a shopping cart includes a gate pivotally mounted to a rear portion of the shopping cart and a seat member made from a plastic material. The seat member is mounted to the gate of the shopping cart via a pivot mechanism to extend in a position to support a child within the shopping cart. The seat member includes a generally curved concave portion having an apex adjacent the gate and a generally straight portion on a side of the seat member opposite the apex of the generally curved concave portion.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2005Date of Patent: August 5, 2008Assignee: Target Brands, Inc.Inventors: William D. Splain, Robert D. Peota, Alexandre Hennen, Allan Cameron, Mark T. Ryan, David L. Pruitt, Jr.
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Patent number: 7398976Abstract: A basket for a shopping cart comprising a single unitary member molded from a plastic material. The basket includes a frame including a plurality of generally vertical upright frame members spaced apart from each other, with each frame member including a generally smooth outer surface without holes. A front panel extends generally vertically and laterally across the front portion of the single unitary member between two of the generally vertical upright frame members. A pair of side panels extends generally vertically, being generally parallel to each other and spaced from each other. Each side panel extends from a front portion to a rear portion of the basket between two of the generally vertical upright frame members. The front panel and each side panel comprise a generally flat portion defining a plurality of holes and have a substantially uniform thickness at least about two times less than a thickness of the generally vertical upright frame members.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2005Date of Patent: July 15, 2008Assignee: Target Brands, Inc.Inventors: William D. Splain, Robert D. Peota, Alexandre Hennen, Allan Cameron, Mark T. Ryan, David L. Pruitt, Jr.
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Patent number: D564229Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2006Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: Target Brands, Inc.Inventors: William D. Splain, Robert D. Peota, Alexandre Hennen, Allan Cameron
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Patent number: D575472Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2007Date of Patent: August 19, 2008Assignee: Target Brands, Inc.Inventors: William D. Splain, Robert D. Peota, Alexandre Hennen, Allan Cameron, Mark T. Ryan, David L. Pruitt, Jr.
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Patent number: D582122Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2007Date of Patent: December 2, 2008Assignee: Target Brands, Inc.Inventors: William D. Splain, Robert D. Peota, Alexandre Hennen, Allan Cameron, Mark T. Ryan, David L. Pruitt, Jr.
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Patent number: D588774Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2008Date of Patent: March 17, 2009Assignee: Target Brands, Inc.Inventors: Robert D. Peota, William D. Splain, Robert D. Tharp
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Patent number: D588775Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2008Date of Patent: March 17, 2009Assignee: Target Brands, Inc.Inventors: Robert D. Peota, William D. Splain, Robert D. Tharp
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Patent number: D591474Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2008Date of Patent: April 28, 2009Assignee: Target Brands, Inc.Inventors: Robert D. Peota, William D. Splain, Robert D. Tharp
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Patent number: D623374Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2008Date of Patent: September 7, 2010Assignee: Target Brands, Inc.Inventors: William D. Splain, Robert D. Peota, Alexandre Hennen, Allan Cameron, Mark T. Ryan, David L. Pruitt, Jr.